About this role
Job summary
Due to the expansion of the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in Cornwall, we are seeking a dedicated nurse to join our NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme as a Specialist Screening Practitioner. This pivotal role involves facilitating early detection of bowel cancer and improving patient outcomes through the delivery of specialist nursing support throughout the screening pathway.
Working autonomously within NMC professional boundaries, you'll be part of a multidisciplinary team providing high-quality, patient-centred care. Based within Gastroenterology in Specialist Services and Surgery, you'll coordinate patient journeys from referral through to follow-up, ensuring safe and effective delivery of care that meets national screening programme standards and key performance indicators.
This role has been approved for advertising; however, it is also being assessed as a suitable alternative employment opportunity. As a result, the vacancy may be withdrawn or there may be a delay before shortlisting can begin.
This role is open to all applicants. However, in line with Cornwall First recruitment principles, initial shortlisting will prioritise applicants from Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and the Integrated Care Board for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Main duties of the job
You'll conduct comprehensive pre-assessments of patients referred through the bowel screening programme, assessing fitness for procedures through holistic needs assessment and identifying potential risks. Using specialist knowledge and advanced communication skills, you'll provide detailed information about colonoscopy procedures and obtain informed consent.
You'll act as a role model to others, supporting staff development and contributing to departmental development and change. The position requires you to support the Lead SSP in management and mentorship of newly appointed staff, whilst actively participating in public awareness campaigns and community engagement activities.
The role involves clinical support during endoscopic procedures, participation in health promotion, multidisciplinary meetings, contribution to audit, research and quality improvement activities. You'll maintain clinical competence through ongoing professional development and provide clinical training for new staff members.
Working under the supervision of the CNS Lead Specialist Screening Practitioner, you'll collaborate closely with the Clinical Matron for Gastroenterology, the Clinical Director BCSP, and Programme Manager. Your role involves working in partnership with endoscopy teams, colorectal specialists, pathology, radiology, anaesthetics and cancer services across the trust.
About us
The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is the main provider of acute and specialist care services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It serves a population of around 470,000 people, a figure that can increase significantly with visitors during the busiest times of the year. We employ approximately 6,700 staff and have a budget of approximately £740 million.
RCHTis responsible forthe provision of services at three main sites with approximately 780 inpatient beds:
Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro
St Michael's Hospital in Hayle
West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance
We are a teaching hospital in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School.
Keeping at the forefront of medical advances, we are continually developing our clinical services as well as ourfacilities, andare committed to maximising the range of specialist care that can be offered locally. Allied to this is a growing reputation for research and innovation.
The Knowledge Spa on the Royal Cornwall Hospital site is the base for medical and nursing as well as ongoing education for health professions in clinical and non-clinical roles. This plays a vital part in attracting andretaininghighly skilled teams of doctors, nurses and other health professionals who support the care of well over half a million people each year.
Job description Job responsibilities
PLEASE NOTE: To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click the supporting document on the right-hand side.
To be an employee of the NHS you need to successfully complete the following:
Identity Checks Professional registration and qualification checks Employment history and reference checks Occupational Health clearance Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check Right to work in the UK For further information please visit:
https://www.nhsemployers.org/topics-networks/employment-standards-and-regulation
We reserve the right to close this advert early.
We may be able to offer flexible working. Please discuss at interview.
We may be able to offer sponsorship but this is not guaranteed.
Person Specification
NMC Registration Essential
NMC Registered Nurse Educated to degree level Completion of relevant extended role scope competencies, or commitment to undertake such as Advanced Communication/cou nselling qualification
Desirable
University qualification in speciality or willingness to commence within 12 months Teaching/ Assessment/ Mentoring qualification Independent prescribing qualification
Experience Essential
Relevant nursing/practitioner experience within speciality Audit or research experience Teaching and education experience
Practical and intellectual skills Essential
Ability to prioritise and manage own workload Able to identify learning opportunities Able to organise own learning and development Able to present information to professional groups.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust
Address Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Truro
TR1 3LJ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.royalcornwall.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)